Ask an expert: What to do if you find suspected asbestos when you're renovating

Q: We will be renovating our 1940s brick house soon and have started taking out the wall linings in the bedroom. We found that the wall linings have fibres and are very heavy.We were told this is fibrous plaster. What we want to know is if this kind of wall lining contains asbestos? - Adrian A: Its definitely not uncommon for a 1940s era house to have its fair share of asbestos in it. However, it was not used within fibrous plaster. You would see it sprayed on ceilings up into the 1980s but not generally inside the fibrous plaster linings. If you are unsure, call an asbestos removal expert to check it out, or take a small sample and get it tested. If asbestos is found in your house say, for example, you can just leave it there and cover over it or paint it - just do not cut or sand it. If left untouched it will not pose any threat. Always seek a licensed remover if you wish to have the product removed. Stan Scott is a licensed building practitioner with more than 34 years' experience in the industry as well as being and a building consultant and frontman for Mitre 10's Easy As guides . If you have a DIY question for Stan, email it along with relevant photos to homed@stuff.co.nz .